Barrowford drink-driver quits job after arrest

A drink driver who worked for Rolls-Royce resigned after he was arrested as he didn’t want to tell his bosses he was facing court, magistrates heard.

Jonathan Townson (28) was caught after police in Barrowford spotted him speeding in a Suburu in Gisburn Road at about 10pm. Officers had to go at up to 50mph in the 30mph zone to catch him up.

The Burnley bench was told how police could smell alcohol on Townson’s breath when they stopped him. He admitted he had had a drink and was arrested. He later blew 60 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath- the legal limit is 35.

The defendant, of Higher Causeway, Barrowford, admitted drink driving on March 26th. He was fined £120, with a £20 victim surcharge and banned for 17 months.

Ben Leech (defending) said Townson had been at home drinking with friends, who intended to walk home. It was raining.

Mr Leech said: “He made the decision, with hindsight a foolish one, to give them a lift home to prevent them from walking in the rain.

“He didn’t want to explain why he was leaving (Rolls-Royce). He didn’t want to tell them he had a drink drive charge pending.”